Publishers launch digital newsstand on Android

Next Issue Media--a consortium of magazine and newspaper publishers including Time Inc., Condé Nast, Hearst Corp., News Corp. and Meredith Corp.--is poised to introduce a digital newsstand initiative extending periodicals like Time, The New Yorker and Esquire to Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android devices. The News Corp.-owned Wall Street Journal reports Next Issue Media will launch with seven standalone magazine applications optimized for the Android-powered Samsung Galaxy Tab and available for download via Verizon Wireless' (NYSE:VZ) V Cast Apps storefront--later this year, NIM is expected to unveil a single Android application encompassing dozens of titles, meaning consumers must only download the app once to access the compete newsstand and purchase content.

NIM CEO Morgan Guenther said the digital newsstand integrates the different titles in ways previous efforts haven't allowed--for example, consumers will be able to search for content across publications, and NIM may offer subscription packages that combine titles. NIM will also introduce personalization tools and enable content sharing various social networks. Guenther states the newsstand will expand to additional Android devices this summer--the consortium is also in talks with Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) to roll out the effort across iOS devices.

News of the Next Issue Media effort first surfaced in late 2009. In mid-February 2011, Google introduced its own One Pass digital content subscription service, offering consumers a single sign-on email and password to purchase content across mobile applications and the web. Google One Pass publisher partners can customize how and when they charge for content, trialing different pricing models including subscriptions, metered access, freemium or à la carte--publishers may also offer discounts to existing subscribers. Google manages all transactions, employing Google Checkout to process payments.

For more:
- read this Wall Street Journal article

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